Study Methods & Motivation: A Practical Guide to Effective Study

Dr. Locke is not going to try to convince you that studying is always easy, but if you do put in the effort and follow his guidance, you should do well even at the most challenging University (after all, Dr. Locke must have done well following his own advice!). All chapters are helpful, especially the one on what he calls "study monitoring" wherein he shows you how to keep your mind focused on the material you're reading. The second half of the book is useful if you already know how to study but perhaps lack (or have lapses in) your motivation. As was mentioned in another review, the book does have a handful of typographical errors and the quality of the physical binding could be better, but such things don't really mar the value of the content. Read this book if you're serious and want to succeed in your college career.

This book is full of tips you can start using immediately. What is the most efficient way to study? What specific techniques can you use to program your memory? How can you effectively plan your time? How can you cope with "failure"? or test anxiety? What are some motivational tips? It is an excellent book to help keep you motivated and give you lifetime thinking skills.

Dr. Locke's book is a concise, well-written presentation of the essentials of effective study methods. He presents at least one important topic (study monitoring, i.e., consciously keeping track of the effectiveness of one's study efforts) that I have not seen covered in other similar works. I have used this book profitably in some of my own mind self-management seminars for students.